Weekly Newsletter (March 24, 2018): It's Unanimous

Here's a quick recap of what's happening in the Seventh Council District this week:

LA Leaders Pledge to Build 222 Units of Supportive Housing in Each District

WATCH: (Click on the image to watch the video)

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to build 222 units of supportive housing in each Council District. I am proud to join my colleagues in this pledge, and pleased to report that we’re almost halfway to meeting this goal. This commitment is important for the equitable distribution of resources to homeless individuals living throughout our City. While this issue will not be solved overnight, it will require ongoing efforts and a comprehensive approach through our work with service providers, government agencies, businesses, and community members. We all have a shared responsibility to address this humanitarian crisis in a meaningful and effective way.

🌧️LA Rain Update

WATCH: (Click on the image to watch the press conference)

This week, heavy rains triggered a flash flood warning in the recent burn areas across Los Angeles. City and County crews worked swiftly to clear curbside drains and catch basins in the Sylmar, Sunland-Tujunga, and Shadow Hills area to help prevent flooding. As the storm grew, mandatory and voluntary evacuations were issued for neighborhoods in the 7th District.

As of Friday, March 23rd, evacuation orders have been lifted. I am very grateful to our City and County public safety partners for their collaborative efforts responding to this storm. If your driveway or street was impacted by the rain, call 3-1-1 or download the MyLA311 app to have the mud and debris cleared. Sign up for Notify LA by texting 'READY' to 888-777 to receive the future emergency and disaster information.

Smoke Alarm Awareness Month

WATCH: (Click on the image to watch the video)

I joined the Los Angeles Fire Department and MySafeLAto recognize March as Smoke Alarm Awareness Month. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step toward your family’s safety.

A few tips to keep in mind:✅ Test your smoke alarms every month.✅ Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.✅ Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.✅ Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. For more fire safety tips and to receive a free smoke alarm installation, visit:http://www.mysafela.org.

Rebuilding the Urban Canopy

This week, I hosted a tree adoption event in Pacoima and gave away four hundred shade and fruit trees for free to local residents. In addition, we provided educational tools and a tree planting workshop to help promote sustainability. Trees not only add beauty to our neighborhoods, but also help keep our air clean. We all can play a role to help rebuild the City's urban canopy.

Photo of the Week

A section of La Tuna Canyon Road was closed Wednesday due to the heavy rains and hillside erosions. This photo, taken one mile north of the 8300 block of La Tuna Canyon, is within the area that had been evacuated. Luckily, no structures were damaged. City and County crews have assessed the site and will continue to monitor the area. The La Tuna Canyon Road will remain closed from the 8300 block to the 210 Freeway.